911 emergency dispatchers often are the first people contacted when emergency assistance is needed. Our center operates 24/7 with a rotation of four, twelve hour shifts. A high school diploma is the standard requirement for this position, as well as no criminal history and a valid driver's license.

Skills required to become a 911 emergency dispatcher include the ability to operate various computer and communication equipment, become certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, CPR and GCIC certification, and complete the Georgia mandated Basic Communication Officer Training. Training is usually completed within three months of your hire date. There are two classes that require you to go to the location the class is offered and stay for the duration of the class. All other training is completed at the 911 center. Personal characteristics that might be an advantage for 911 emergency dispatchers include good judgement skills, since they need to prioritize the calls they receive by order of importance. Good Communication and speaking skills are helpful during incidents that involve callers in various emotional states. Map reading and being familiar with the county you are working in are skills that ensure proper responders are sent to emergency locations. Emergency Medical Dispatch certification also ensures the caller receives valuable instructions while waiting for medical response. Emergency calls come into the center either by the phones or by the radio system. The 911 emergency dispatcher questions the caller to obtain the information needed to determine appropriate response and course of action. They also create and maintain a detailed account of calls received and details of response.

Responsibilities of a 911 emergency dispatcher during a shift includes being assigned certain radio bands for that shift. If any responder calls on the radio requesting certain resources or advises they are on an incident it is the responsibility of the operator assigned to them to maintain a record and provide them with the resources or information they need to complete their call. Dispatchers answer both emergency and non emergency calls. Dispatchers are responsible for determining the nature of the calls they receive, the location of the incident and sending the needed response to that location. They are responsible for monitoring the location of emergency service personnel in their assigned territory. During bad weather or disaster type situations, dispatchers may be required to stay over or come in early for a shift to help with the volume of requests created by that incident. Experienced 911 emergency dispatchers also assist in training new dispatchers.

Job applications are available at two locations, one is on this website. Click the job application tab at the top or bottom of this website page to download and copy an application or you may come to Chattooga County EMA/E911, 170 Farrar Drive, Summerville, GA 30747, Monday - Friday, 8 A.M - 4 P.M. to pick up an application. This same location is where you drop off your application.